What setting should I use to dry a down jacket in a tumble dryer?

Drying winter clothes requires a lot of effort and time. Having a tumble dryer at home will make life much easier for any homeowner. Many people worry about the safety of their clothes and think that a down jacket won't survive a machine dryer. In fact, it's possible to dry outerwear this way, but it's important to choose the right drying cycle for your down jacket.

Which mode is preferable?

Before washing and drying outerwear, be sure to read the care label. This advice from the manufacturer will help prevent deterioration in the garment's quality. If the label states that tumble drying is prohibited, it's best not to risk it. Some models have a program for drying winter clothes, so check the instructions for your dryer. In other cases, you will have to select the mode yourself.

Bosch dryer owners are in luck—set the "Down Jackets" program on your dryer and you can rest assured your items will be safe. In addition to outerwear, this setting can be used to dry down duvets and other large items.

Avoid trying to load large items into the dryer drum. This will significantly reduce drying efficiency.

On a Gorenje tumble dryer, select the "Delicates" setting. It's best to dry your down jacket on the gentle setting to ensure it stays intact.

Beko dryer owners often encounter a lack of a winter wash program. While some models may have a "Synthetics" program, it's recommended to set the temperature to the lowest setting and reduce the drum speed.

Why do people try to dry their jackets in the dryer?

Many people prefer to tumble dry, especially when it comes to outerwear. This is because machine drying offers several advantages over standard drying methods.

• A dryer will help distribute the filling thoroughly. Drying a down jacket by hand to ensure the down is evenly distributed and doesn't form clumps is not so easy. You'll need to periodically shake and knead the item to break up any hard clumps. If the down jacket is already dry, it can be very difficult to correct, and sometimes it won't return to its original appearance at all.
• There's no need to put in much effort. Simply place your textiles in the drum and select the appropriate drying mode—the machine will do the rest. This really makes the process easier, especially if you have a lot of items.
• Machine drying saves not only effort but also time. Hand drying can take a couple of days. This is especially difficult for those living in high-humidity regions, where a down jacket can remain damp even after several days, and the unpleasant damp smell can be difficult to remove. Drying on ropes or heating devices is prohibited. This way, the fluff will not be distributed evenly inside the product, and when heated, the synthetic fabric will become unsuitable for wearing.

Drying machines often don't have a special program for drying outerwear. In this case, it's recommended to select the most delicate setting and the lowest temperature. Large items may require a couple of drying cycles. Some people add tennis balls to the drum to help loosen the down jacket's filling.

Before starting the procedure, be sure to zip up all zippers and turn the down jacket inside out.

Pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations and evaluate the product's quality yourself. Not every down jacket can withstand a machine dryer, so be prepared.

   

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